American arrested for alleged online sex trafficking in Batangas

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group on Wednesday said it arrested an American national accused of detaining Filipinas and forcing them to livestream sexual activities for profit in Batangas.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, ACG Director Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta said the 27-year-old foreigner was arrested in Nasugbu town on Jan. 30 through a warrant to search, seize, and examine computer data at his residence.

The operation was launched after one of the victims allegedly escaped from detention and returned to her family on Dec. 22. She reported the incident to police on Jan. 5, prompting the cybercrime group to conduct surveillance and secure a warrant.

According to Asueta, the complainant met the foreigner in person last June and was offered a “model” role, with promised earnings ranging from P50,000 to P100,000. She was later allegedly held at the suspect’s Batangas residence.

The victim and seven other women were allegedly coerced into performing sexual acts on a livestreaming platform in exchange for virtual tokens worth about P7,000 per session.

“Sa dating apps nagsimula, then, kapag nahulog ang loob, ito ay iimbitahan niya mag-meet up at bibigyan niya na rin ng offer ng trabaho bilang ‘model’,” Asueta said.

“They are just forced because may takot. Natatakot sila. So, naka-mind condition. So, mayroong threat sa kanila. Sa totoo lang, ayaw naman nila ito,” he added.

Asueta said one of the seven other victims attempted to reach the complainant for help but was allegedly threatened by the suspect if she tried to escape or report the abuse.

The seven women were rescued during the operation and turned over to the local social welfare office for assistance. Authorities said the victims were between 18 and 20 years old.

The ACG alleged that the suspect had been detaining and exploiting Filipinas through online sexual activities for about a year. Investigators are still determining whether there are additional victims.

The foreign national is currently detained at the ACG custodial facility in Camp Crame and will face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.